Pope Francis meets President of Republic of Croatia

(Vatican Radio) The Holy See's Press Office has issued a statement regarding this morning's papal audience with Croatia's President. The Pope received the Croatian leader in the Vatican.

Below we publish the Vatican Press Office statement:

This morning, Thursday 10 October 2013, the Holy Father Francis received in audience in
the Apostolic Palace His Excellency Ivo Josipović, President of the Republic of Croatia, who
subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone, accompanied by Archbishop
Dominique Mamberti, Secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, and after making reference to Croatia’s long Catholic
tradition, satisfaction was expressed with regard to the good bilateral relations, consolidated by
four current Agreements promoting collaboration between the Church and the State for the
common good of Croatian society.

The Parties went on to express their satisfaction at the entry of Croatia into the European
Union and several themes of common interest emerged. Mention was made of the challenges that
the country must face during the current economic crisis, as well as the regional context, with
special reference to the situation of Croatians in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Finally, reference was made to the international situation, with particular attention to the
condition of Christian Communities throughout the world.